Bachelor dishes dirt on reality TV

In his new book, Lee Thompson makes explosive allegations about serious manipulation by show bosses

THE Bachelor SA’S Lee Thompson has finally opened up about the good, the bad and the ugly truth of reality TV in his debut book The Truth Behind The Rose.

Thompson was South Africa’s first season bachelor who won over the hearts of thousands of fans and of course the 24 contestants vying for his heart.

Almost two years later, Thompson claims the show left him traumatised as he battled with mental health issues, which affected his businesses and his love life.

In a recent interview with Gareth Cliff on Cliff Central, Thompson said he had true intentions of finding love on joining the show, but thought that the production company, Rapid Blue, set him up with “low- quality” women.

“I was in there fully committed to try and find a partner to spend the rest of my life with. That was my main goal. There is no doubt about that. I thought that M- Net and Rapid Blue would come up with really good options for me,” said Thompson.

When Cliff asked Thompson if he thought the women were of “low quality”, Thompson replied: “A lot of them, ya”.

He said although the show had benefits for him such as exposure and business ventures which have worked in his favour, it still took a toll on him mentally and emotionally afterwards.

“I struggled with it after the show, probably only until recently I am only starting to get over a few things,” said Thompson.

“There were certain situations where I was manipulated, persuaded into selecting certain women and keeping them on the show, where I would have wanted that person out. I think I should have spoken up a bit more and stood my ground, but when you are in the bachelor bubble, you are so easily influenced and manipulated it’s hard not to go with what they are doing and what they are trying to make you do,” said Thompson.

During the interview, he revealed that his relationship with his mother was spoiled and he did in fact fall in love with the last two women on the show, Gina Meyers and Jozaan Digue.

He went on to date Meyers for a month after filming ended before she stopped talking to him.

He also said that he is currently dating a 37- year- old woman, who asked to remain anonymous and away from the public eye.

In his new and explosive book, Thompson said he goes a lot deeper into the issues that he faced and the manipulation, lies and deceit that went on in the show.

“As well as my childhood and the situation that led up to the show which caused these mental issues afterwards. All the brainwashing and manipulation on the show, that really took a toll on me.

“I’ll be speaking about some of the women in the book as well. Putting a lot of the false rumours to bed.

“My book will take this huge weight off my shoulders which I’ve been carrying around for some time now,” said Thompson.